To print this page, select "Print" from the File menu of your browser salon.com > Books Oct. 11, 1999 URL: http://www.salon.com/books/bag/1999/10/11/stone Rockets' red glare The author of "Dog Soldiers" picks five great contemporary war novels. - - - - - - - - - - - - By Robert Stone Tiger the Lurp Dog by Kenn Miller The kind of book that casually and effortlessly incorporates a deep understanding of war. Its authenticity makes its unpretentious whimsy and grim humor doubly effective. It is a memorable and touching novel almost in spite of itself. One Very Hot Day by David Halberstam A stylish, sardonic invocation of the early days of the Vietnam War, with a strong central character. The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien Nothing casual here except perhaps for the sleight of hand of great art. This is the beautifully executed work of a major writer. An Ice-Cream War by William Boyd Boyd’s complex characters, irony and humor seem to combine properties of the traditional English novel with innovative psychological intimacy. Horn of Africa by Philip Caputo Terrific battle scenes, described with great verve and skill by a Vietnam veteran and war correspondent. salon.com | Oct. 11, 1999